When the real Queen said she would not be able to meet ten-year-old Oliver Burton, a limo was arranged so the youngster could meet Dame Helen instead.

The very ill boy’s wish came true because Mirren’s West End show features the actress playing the Queen. Oliver and his mother were given tickets and afterward invited backstage to visit her for tea. There was even a pair of corgi dogs and a butler who served them while Mirren remained in character the entire time.

“She knighted him and told everyone that they had to call him Sir Oliver,” said his mum. “He had a brilliant day.”

Oliver is facing his third battle with cancer and top of his bucket list was a visit to Buckingham Palace.